The history of Native American theater is complicated, because the group was so oppressed and still is. Their culture was basically stolen from them as they were forced off their land, onto reservations, and some even forced to "Americanize". With traditional Native American culture, their version of theater was considered primitive to the American public. Their form of theater was more of a ritual that paid homage to nature and their other beliefs. These rituals were sacred, and some created adaptations, like the Ghost Dance which was considered to be revolutionary. Most plays had to be set in a specific time and place which created the meaning. Most dramas were of religious meaning that would help restore and maintain the balance of the world. Later, more versions would come that were not fully ritual, like story telling and artful. It wasn't until the 1950's that Native American drama that the dramas became contemporary and made their way into American theater. Plays like these brought Native American people into the play and film industry, bringing light to these actors through groups and ensembles like NATE. Around this time, plays began to depict Native American life from the early Trail of Tears to more modern day life on the reservations.